Italy weighing martial law in area of the earthquake

As special police squads patrolled earthquake-stricken areas of southern Italy, a member of Parliament said the government is considering imposing martial law. Roadblocks were set up to stop the abduction of children, although it was unclear if the children were being picked up by traffickers seeking to sell them or well-wishers eager to give them shelter. A spokesman for the military command aiding relief operations said 33 members of the Neapolitan Mafia were arrested for crimes involving the hijacking of desperately needed relief supplies.

Meanwhile, it was announved that the Common Market will lend Italy $1.4 billion to help rebuild the economy of the south, and will provide $56 million in emergency aid for food supplies, transportation, and housing.